Brian Selznick received the 2008 Caldecott award for this book, a picturebook award that usually goes to little kids' books. Finally the ALA recognized that powerful images are in books for older children, too. The book looks thick, but more than half of the pages are full-page illustrations. We read this book together and enjoyed the intrigue of the story and how we wanted to keep turning the page to see what happens next. Some of the story is tragic and sad. Kids may need the context of the difficulties of the 1930s. They will also be curious about real automatons and Georges Melies. Selznick includes website links and books to get more info on both. The story is really about the history of early films in France, but also about magic and magicians, the Depression, horology, mechanics, trains, libraries, and orphans. Fascinating! An imaginative 8-year-old may like it. 10 - 14 years old will definitely like it.

This is an amazing book. I picked it up while volunteering at a local summer library program, simply because the size and cover caught my eye. The story is interesting and content is acceptable. What really makes the story, however, are the beautiful illustrations.

My 9-yr-old son loved this book. So did I -- I read the whole thing in two sittings. The mix of cinematic and textual storytelling makes for a really dramatic narrative experience. Plus, the story is in part about the birth of cinema; it all works together so neatly. My son is a strong reader, but I can see this appealing to kids who aren't confident readers.

ithought this book was really good and it has lots of pictures. in some parts it's a little scary because hugo falls onto the train track but then someone picks him up so the train won't hurt him. it's a exciting book but hugo isn't the best role model because he lives by himself and steals things.

ithought this book was really good and it has lots of pictures. in some parts it's a little scary because hugo falls onto the train track but then someone picks him up so the train won't hurt him. it's a exciting book but hugo isn't the best role model because he lives by himself and steals things.

We checked out the Audiobook and four copies of the book (one for each member of our family) at the library. The Audiobook has a Bonus DVD which gives interesting info offered by the author. We completely enjoyed the experience and looked forward to our reading time. We don't watch TV so AudioBook and book combo was a real treat. We will not purchase this book but it is a treat.

I am familiar with Brian Selznick's illustrations from the Andrew Clements books. But I never expected him to do something like this! Outstanding! One of the best books of the year. This book is like a movie and graphic novel and a whole bunch of other things all in one! Also a highly original plot. Not to be missed.